Podcast Summary

Overview

In this episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace (Crime Alert 6AM 11.20.2025), the focus is on a series of shocking recent crime cases—including new murder charges against John Skelton (a Michigan father long suspected in the disappearance of his three sons), the brutal death of a young Tennessee boy allegedly at the hands of his father’s girlfriend, and an Alabama man exploiting obituaries to burglarize homes. The episode is driven by the original reporting and grave tone for which Nancy Grace’s platform is known, spotlighting law enforcement efforts and the devastating impact of crime on families.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Michigan Father John Skelton Charged with Murder (00:00–04:37)

• Background: John Skelton, previously imprisoned for detaining his children and refusing to return them to their mother, was about to be released from prison after serving time for custodial interference.
• New Developments: Just before his release, Skelton is charged with the premeditated murders of his three sons—Andrew (9), Alexander (7), and Tanner (5)—who have been missing since Thanksgiving 2010.
• Digital Evidence: Investigators unearth disturbing internet searches on Skelton’s devices, including inquiries about poisons and methods of homicide.
  • Quote (Investigator, 02:54):
    "Part of the searches included the search for potassium cyanide. The availability of prussic acid. Is rat poison tasteless and odorless? Can rat poison kill a person? Is it odorless and tasteless? Those were the search terms."
• Police Determination:
  • Lt. Renee Gonzalez (01:49):
    "It was never our intention just to close this case and be happy that he did 15 years. We want him to answer up for the murder of these three boys."
• Additional Details:
  • After the boys vanished, Skelton reportedly attempted suicide and left a cryptic note: "You will hate me,"—interpreted as an admission of guilt.
  • False claims by Skelton that the boys were "hibernating until they graduate" have been discredited.
  • Skelton now faces a $60 million bond ahead of his Nov. 24 preliminary hearing and life in prison if convicted.

2. Tennessee Child Murder: Girlfriend Accused of Torture & Killing (05:39–08:50)

• Incident: 3-year-old Kevin Horton is killed while in the care of Dominica Mosby, his father’s girlfriend.
• Father’s Devastation:
  • Keith Horton (via Fox 13, 05:56):
    "I get to the house, he's standing outside. I got the fire department people in the house. I go in there, see my son."
• Events:
  • Mosby initially lied about the boy’s condition, claiming illness.
  • Under questioning, she confessed to burning Kevin’s ear with a lit cigarette after he urinated on the floor, escalating to burning his genitals with a lighter, and finally stomping on his stomach and beating him.
  • The medical examiner found blunt force trauma, internal bleeding, extensive bruising, and thermal injuries as causes of death.
• Ongoing Investigation: Mosby remains in custody without bond, and prior suspicions of abuse are being further scrutinized.

3. Alabama ‘Dirt Nap’ Burglar Exploits Obituaries (08:51–09:10)

• Crime Scheme: Peter Petiti is arrested for targeting homes of recently deceased individuals by monitoring obituaries and social media to rob them while families attended funerals.
• Outcome: He was apprehended during a traffic stop, his bond has been revoked, and he faces burglary charges.
• Colorful Commentary:
  • Jennifer Gould (08:57):
    "He waited for residents to check out to the funeral before he checked in to steal Juul's electronics and heirlooms. That’s literally grave robbing… Petiti tried to turn mourning into money, but now this uninvited guest will be shacking up in the slammer instead."

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Justice for the Skelton Boys:

  • Lt. Renee Gonzalez (01:49):
    "It was never our intention just to close this case and be happy that he did 15 years. We want him to answer up for the murder of these three boys."

• On Digital Evidence and Motive:

  • Investigator (02:54):
    "Is rat poison tasteless and odorless? Can rat poison kill a person? Is it odorless and tasteless? ... Definite interest in finding something that could harm or kill someone."

• On the Tennessee Child’s Brutal Death:

  • Father, Keith Horton (05:56):
    "I get to the house, he's standing outside. I got the fire department people in the house. I go in there, see my son."

• On the Alabama ‘Dirt Nap’ Burglar:

  • Jennifer Gould (08:57):
    "That’s literally grave robbing... No condolence cards for this crook."

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|------------------| | Michigan Father John Skelton Charged | 01:09 – 04:37 | | Skelton’s Search History & Admission | 02:54 – 03:16 | | Tennessee Child Death: Father’s Testimony | 05:56 – 06:01 | | Details of Child’s Torture and Murder | 05:39 – 08:50 | | Alabama ‘Dirt Nap’ Burglar | 08:51 – 09:10 |

Tone and Language

The episode is direct, urgent, and unflinching in both reporting and commentary, using lurid metaphors and evocative language ("gut punch act of justice," "dirt nap drama," "you will hate me" note) to highlight the severity and emotional toll of the crimes.

Conclusion

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delivers a relentless, at times shocking, update on grim criminal cases making national headlines. Through Jennifer Gould’s reporting and firsthand accounts from investigators and victims’ families, listeners get a visceral sense of the stakes for both justice and community safety. The episode leaves listeners with clear calls to action: follow for more updates and keep informed about ongoing investigations.